House Panel Rejects Food Stamp Junk Food Ban

An appropriations subcommittee on Monday stripped the provision from a bill (HB 1401)

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A Florida House panel has rejected a proposal to ban using food stamps to purchase sweets, potato chips and other junk food.

An appropriations subcommittee on Monday stripped the provision from a bill (HB 1401) that also would ban welfare recipients from using debit-like cards to access cash benefits outside of Florida or at strip clubs, liquor stores, bars and gambling establishments.

The panel then approved the truncated bill 9-5.

Several members who voted for it, though, warned the sponsor they would oppose a similar Senate bill (SB 1658) that still contains the food stamp provision if it should pass in that chamber or any effort to restore the ban to the House version.

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Opponents of the proposed food stamp limits said it would infringe on recipients' freedom of choice.